This feels like sequence breaking but no going back now. I need to face the fact and use it to benefit those that are connected… This is going to be tough.

“Reiza?” Rumel called out to me as I was lost in thought. I shouldn’t try to tell either of them that I have met each other, it might cause some complications that I can’t foresee. I still don’t understand Floria’s side of the story just yet and why she’s trying to hunt her sister. Then again she makes it pretty clear she doesn’t want to kill her… Still it would be better for me to figure out as to why everything went the way it did, and why they seem to be opposing each other, even if that word is a bit of a stretch.

“Reiza!” Ah. I did just get lost in thoughts again. That was bad of me, this has been one hell of a revelation, and I have to deal with this here and now.

“Ah. Sorry. Anything you want to ask?” I fumbled a bit with my reply. I was taken slightly aback with her nagging considering others usually don’t do that. She really is active with her pursuit for the wellbeing of others. Makes it all the more jarring that she ended up hurting someone, even if it’s for their own good.

“You seem lost in thoughts… is there perhaps something you know? Is there anything you know related to me?” She asked not interrogatively, but rather a sound of concern. She really can’t for the life of her raise her voice in such an aggressive manner when something important comes up but it’s from someone she’s fond of. Considering she did raise her voice against me at first it seems she can’t find herself doing it to someone close to her.

“Heh. You’re really like a stereotypical big sister. So clingy, so caring, so lovely” I commented without really giving her an answer. My compliments seemed to get to her for a bit but she quickly bounced back.

“P-Please just tell me! I know you’re afraid to say it but I can take it!” She said, trying to reassure me. I can’t possibly refuse, especially when it really does concern her as well… I wasn’t planning on saying anything but I guess she managed to figure someone out of that peculiar question of mine. 

“Alright then… Hmm… I am a bit hesitant on saying it considering how much it matters to you but… Well you just have to deal with it along with me as well if that’s alright. Rumel” I take a deep breath and sigh. Considering what we just talked about earlier and who I have been with… There’s no avoiding it in the first place, and I think she might fear that. I think if she knows then it’ll be difficult for her since the only way to move forward with me is to do the same with her.

“What could you’ve known?... No. That’s not what I should say. I’m ready to hear what you have to say” She does her best to face it, and certainly better than I think most people would in this scenario. I myself need to make sure to not say anything unnecessary myself, if I say more than needed it would make her needlessly worried.

“Alright then. Let’s just get the most important point out of the way… Your sister, Floria, I am currently hanging out with her. Before even meeting you in fact” I said those words not convey any emotion, just the cold truth that needs to be said. I couldn’t even think of saying it any other way.

She silently reacted to what I just said. Her eyes widened in shock, her arms twitched in shock. She’s still processing this information with her frozen in place and unable to move due to the sheer coincidence of the situation. It’s clear how much this is affecting her even if it’s simply the matter of me hanging out with her sister.

“Rumel. Your sister is fine. I make sure of that” I said that to reassure her in case she thought of the worst. I try my best to help her and I need to voice that intention to Rumel as well. She looks so… absolutely panicking to put it lightly.

“Wh- How- I mean… I…” She can’t come up with what to ask first. Clearly she’s so overwhelmed that just coming up with what to say is difficult. I guess I have to give her some more information on the matter before we can continue.

“Well if you can’t think of anything to say, then I will say something for you. You see my dear Rumel, Floria has been a great company of mine since I got here, perhaps she isn’t the most knowledgeable or outgoing but I do appreciate her company once she mellowed out a bit. She’s doing alright with me around so you should be happy about that and she… Well she’s still torn over your abandonment, to put it lightly” I said to her. While I do keep an optimistic tone for most of that I really can’t do the same for the most important point of the bunch. She really is devastated and clearly affecting how she is now, if I am to fix the issue the person here right in front of me needs to be involved as well.

“...Should’ve expected that…” She said very deprecatingly about herself. I would’ve hoped she would have mentioned how relieved she is about her sister doing fine for herself but I guess she’s too focused on the negative.

“Now now. She’s doing fine Rumel, and I can confidently say that she doesn’t harbor ill will towards you, I make sure to know of that” I said trying to make her see the positive in all of this and how we could move forward together. If everything goes smoothly then I could reunite them in just a few days. Obviously that will not be the end of the story but I do believe there is a way to remedy what comes after.

“What did she say?” Rumel asked, still harboring some doubt. She’s just about as torn due to the separation as much as her sister is… I didn’t quite consider what caused them to separate in the first place, did I? The pair of demonic arms are clearly foreign. Seems she made a shady deal and got more than she asked for. From the little she said it’s clear she’s severely wounded and needs something way outside of this world to be able to heal, and that’s probably where the arms come in. 

“She tried to… She wants to meet you to put it simply. However she seems… insecure that you’ll welcome her with open arms, and trying to become stronger than you so she can forcibly get you back… She’s rather determined about that” I answered, almost spilling the fact that she seems hesitant about talking about Rumel. 

“She… did that? But that’s dangerous… She can’t even…” Rumel muttered to herself but didn't elaborate further.

“What is it?” I asked not wanting to let any details slip by at this point. 

“She… neither of us know how to use mana at all” She gave in rather easily thankfully… Unable to use mana is it? I think that… Yeah that is probably related to that condition she has. Rumel doesn’t have it right now, perhaps because of the modifications? Regardless neither of them have it at this point so it’s not an issue.

“Oh that’s not a problem. I personally help her with that” I enthusiastically proclaimed to possibly lighten up her mood. If her sister became more capable I’m sure she’ll feel a bit better about herself.

“You did? That’s generous of you… Then again that has to be expected at this point” She replied looking rather satisfied. I need to keep this train going until it goes overboard, I need her to be more open to her sister’s pursuit for her, and tomorrow I have to make sure Floria doesn’t try anything drastic either, and if possible calm her down to the point that I can share my involvement with Rumel with her.

“I make sure to look out for her. I must say she’s faring very well considering how troublesome magic is for her, she’s a very capable lady” I said with a smile, showing my appreciation for her. Rumel looks happier hearing that, and I’m glad that’s the case.

“That’s… How much are we talking here?” She became curious and seemed to drop her sorrow for a moment, I should keep it going in that case.

“Well I don’t quite understand what measurement of power you all have. In her case at least she’s a gold rank adventurer, that’s a pretty big deal is it not?” I answered feeling slightly clueless on the issue so I just talked about her rank.

“Gold? That’s really good! I didn’t expect her to get that far… We were separated for over a year and she’s doing this well…” Oh goodness no. She just became depressed again, I need to stop that somehow, what can I say in this situation? I need to think of something!

“Yeah! She indeed does! Think of how excited she’ll be if she saw how proud you are of her!” I said a bit hastily trying to not let her turn into a brooding mess. I cannot allow that! She needs to consider how much Floria will want her to be proud. From the looks of it she has been trying hard to become strong and reliable, no doubt she wants Rumel to see that clearly.

“I… I can’t possibly face her, even if she wants to” She said looking a bit sad, damn that didn’t work out as expected. Another approach?

“Look. I know you both have your problems but I’m here! You two were having trouble since I wasn’t there! Now I’m here there’s nothing to fear!” I said trying to be as enthusiastic as I can, trying to reel her in and making sure she’s thinking of the positive and rationality.

“You sure keep trying to help… I appreciate that I really do” She replied with a smile, I think I managed it for now. I need to talk about something else as well to get her more optimistic…

“I have been training with her and making sure she gets better. I might have something else to deal with but I do not let someone like her to suffer, same with you as well, beautiful” I said with a teasing wink to perhaps fluster her. It worked for a moment there, perhaps I should keep doing it?

“W-Wha!? Stop that!” She replied while her smile is shown very transparently. I probably can’t do this forever before it became desensitizing, still it wouldn’t hurt to try again. It’s always fun to see this kind of reaction.

“Both you and your sister are beautiful flowers I couldn’t possibly leave to rot. I’m here for both of you, perhaps not what I have in mind since I got here, but I certainly am here for you both now, and I fully intend to keep that goal in mind and see it through” I declared with a confident smile. Inching closer to her and looking at her with a relaxed if composed look. She blushed for a moment there, I wonder if her heart skipped a beat?

“I-I’m so… I can’t thank you enough, I really can’t” She replied looking at the lost for words. Can’t blame her. Still this is just not enough, I need to make sure she looks to the future with more than just loneliness that’ll get nowhere, there is a place for her and her sister somewhere. If not here then I’ll just have to force myself.

“There’s no need for them. Your happiness is what mattered right now” I said with a smile on me still. It’s hard to not give a smile to something beautiful and sweet, it’s just what people do.

“Thank you. Truly” She replied with a really genuine smile. If only I could see that more often, perhaps when I reunite the two? When their life is back together?

“I’ll make sure to let that girl be here and see you. All you have to do is steel yourself, and then I’ll bring her here. Once she understands what’s going on, and why you did what you did. I’m sure she’ll be happy to learn just how much you care” I said confidently to inspire the same confidence in her. Though as much as I’ll love to convince her within a day, if I go too fast it might cause some strain between me and her, I need to approach her carefully with how much she’s trying to reject others… Well I’m not other people, so it might work? Nothing can be that certain so I shouldn’t point it out.

“Best of luck, I hope it goes well as you said” She responded with a prayer of good luck. I can’t help but smile at that.

“Much appreciated. I know it’s hard to put your confidence in me, someone you only know for a few days, but I will make sure to try my hardest” I said while clenching my first, showing a sign of conviction.

The hardest battles are the one of mind, not strength. Regardless of how much experience you have gathered when it comes to interacting with others and becoming better, it’s not that much easier each time. With power it’s all rather objective, it’s the opposite when it comes to facing each other with thoughts and feelings. That’s why I cannot be completely confident when it comes to this.

“I know better than anyone that this person who I know for only a few days that they truly is helpful” She replied with a smile. Good to see her thinking of me so positively. I did try to get in her good grace and show how much I do care for her, and I’m glad she reciprocated.

That’s all I want to accomplish today. The day is now night, the star shines, and we all should rest and wait for the morning. I need to find a good way to end this meeting and keep everything on a high note. 

“Now then Rumel. I have told you everything, including how your sister is going. I believe we should put this on a hold. I’m sure you’re looking forward to your sister tomorrow right? If she’s that excited to see you” I said while being perhaps a bit enthusiastic and confident in my demeanor.

“I supposed. We also talked for a long time. To think it’s already night” She replied and commented. Yes this is good, just how I wanted it. Let this conversation be closed and let us both rest.

“Yeah. Let’s rest shall we? I don’t think we want either of us to be a tired mess when Floria sees us, she’ll probably beat herself over it” I said that a bit jokingly. She thankfully responded with just a light chuckle and nothing else. 

“Yeah. Let’s do that” She replied looking serene and at content. This is where I should finally say my goodbye for the day and leave. 

I stand up and ready to leave as the dim light still let her clearly see me. I walked and gave us some distance before turning back to look at her, she looked slightly panicked, probably thinking that I was going to leave without a send off.

“Rumel. I’ll see you later, and to the best of my ability… I’ll reunite you two, for both of your sake” My send off of the day finally said. I look at her one last time with a confident grin on me and making direct eye contact. She looks at me with her gentle smile as I stand still and continue our eye contact, and when its precise connection is broken...

*Zoom*

I teleported back into my room. Now everything is over and done with for today. This has been… a rather eventful day… The two women who I have become connected to are connected to each other. I didn’t expect it to go this way yet it did. There’s nothing for it, I simply have to go through with it, I have to. If I were to leave anything open, no doubt what will follow will be pain, suffering that I do not want them to receive. 

The story of the Demon Lord is simply not all I have to deal with it seems… The history is repeating itself I feel like, and like before, I have to go through them all and come out on the other end. Rumel and Floria have a connection that I have to remedy, while that girl Clara… I still have no idea what her deal is really. She’s just sorta there, but I can’t leave her alone either… With how things are going I should try to inquire more on her past as well if there’s any more than what she said. I can’t leave any stone left unturned and I just need to be more inquisitive overall.

The one that creates the conflict, the two girls that are connected, the lonely girl… These people I have to deal with… I have to make sure everyone makes it through, and I want to resolve this on a lot… better note. Nothing is perfect but striving for it is what makes one try just that much harder, at least that’s what I think.

This world isn’t like what I dealt with before. It’s that of fantasy that isn’t all that bleak honestly, and from the looks of it our existence feels unnecessary comparatively. Everything just feels a bit off compared to normal I supposed. There’s so much time left, not many things to do. A month that woman said, it’s only been over a single week, and soon I will resolve the straining life of two girls, and soon will relieve the lonely heroine.

My friends, my companions of this world… I’ll bring you all back, that much I will do, that’s what I’ll do when this is all over. This world, regardless of its peace, its state at the end. When the story is over, it’ll all go back to our peaceful life back home.